The relatively minor charges brought by the Manhattan district attorney regarding Trump’s alleged hush money payments to cover up extramarital sexual encounters do not target the core of Trump’s challenge to our democratic constitutional system.
They’re both talented politicians ideally suited for delivering an optimistic view of the party and the conservative movement. And that’s exactly the problem: Right now, Republicans are in no mood for optimism.
In past elections, the presence of two high-profile contenders like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis might have been enough to deter other aspirants. But former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s announced candidacy Tuesday and anticipated declarations by other prominent Republicans indicate that many in the party are unwilling to commit to a candidate.